Uncle William's Mate

Chapter 3

That day was the day something changed in my life. Uncle William became the person I went to if I needed anything. He would help me with homework everyday at the restaurant. He knew so much about everything and would end up becoming my teacher for a few hours a day. I would pass all of my tests in flying colors and all I can think is how thankful I am to have him in my life. He is truly a gem. 

10 years later…

I am 16 now, turning 17 in a couple months. My mom said I’m allowed to go wherever I want to go in town as long as I stay safe. My mom doesn’t like it when I walk through the woods though. She says it’s dangerous and easy to lose my way there. But I love it there, it’s a place where I can be alone. I like to spend my time reading or drawing. My back against a big tree. This is where I spend most of my days in the summer. I graduated school early so no more schoolwork for the rest of my life… until of course college if I choose to go. I want to stay here in the little town of Bridge. This is my home that I grew up in. I feel as if I belong here. 

Today I am reading a crazy erotic romance novel. Something about it makes my head spin. I find my way to my favorite tree and sit down. Making myself comfortable is quite simple as I’ve basically worn the trunk down so much with years of use. I chuckle to myself. I truly do belong here. I open my book biting my bottom lip. Even though the book is mostly about romance and s*x, I can’t help but think that their’s more to it than that. The way she feels for him leaves me wishing I could feel the same for someone myself. I get so lost in the book that I lose track of time. It’s almost dinner time. Suddenly the feeling of being watched washes over me. My palms dampen as I look around, seeking a pair of eyes. When I see nothing I sigh. I guess I’m just going crazy. I get up and walk towards my house. It takes me about 30 minutes to get there from my reading spot. 

“What are you doing here young lady” The voice shoots lightning up my spine. I shriek a little.

It was Uncle William. I’ve never seen him here in the woods before. He frightened me.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you” He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around from behind me. His chest was hard and his arms were strong and firm. 

When he lets me go I turn to face him. I know he can see the blushing in my cheeks. “Hi Uncle William. What brings you here today to scare the living bejeebers out of me?” I smile. 

He looks down at my book and smiles. He then looks at me with a knowing look. I instantly become hot with embarrassment. He knows what I’m reading. Oh god. No. I stand there frozen. Is he going to say anything about it? 

“I could ask you the same thing, Ciera. Doesn’t your mom not approve of you going into the woods?” Uncle William smirks at me. 

I roll my eyes. “Uncle William please don’t tell my mom… She will kill me.” I plead. 

“A young lady shouldn’t be in the woods alone, especially when it’s getting dark. And especially reading this!” He snatches the book out of my hand and starts turning pages. I panic. Oh no!!!! 

“Hey! Give that back! Uncle William give it back! Please Uncle William!” Every time I try to take it out of his hands he moves it further out of my reach. I’m only 5’4 and he is well over 6 foot. He laughs at my attempts. 

When I become out of breath and tired he looks at me. His eyes make me feel like prey and he is the hunter. Out of fear I step back. He matches my every step towards me. I bump into a thick tree and worry casts on my face. “Uncle William?” He doesn’t reply. Only stepping closer and closer to me until I can feel his breath on my face. His pupils are dilated and he looks so dangerous yet so desirable. He blocks me from running away with his arms. 

“Why do you read such books, Ciera?” He asks. I look down embarrassed deciding not to reply.

“Tell me Ciera. You haven’t done any of that stuff have you?” I look at him worriedly and shake my head no. 

“I want you to have dinner with me tonight at 7. I already asked your mother. She is okay with it. Wear some nice clothes.” He winked and suddenly he was gone. 

I spotted my book on the ground not far from me. I shakily grab it and head home. My anxiety is prickling in my chest. For my whole life I have thought of him as family. Like my father figure, but now… Now my whole body is calling out for him. I know with teenagers my age they usually have boys their age to be around. I don’t know if I think my life is a luxury to usual teenage life or if I wish I could have that normal teenage life. I wonder what it would be like to go to school in a building with thousands of students my age. What friends I would have. I imagine it a lot, but I always come to the conclusion that I like my life the way it is. Something about being secluded from the outside world is calming. 

As I reach my house I become more and more anxious. Did he really ask my mom? Does she know what kind of books I have been reading? Did he tell her?